Hungary is known for producing some of the best auto racing players in the world. Hungary’s motorsport history dates back to the 1930s, and since then, the country has produced a number of successful and influential drivers.
From F1 champs like János Drapál and Zsolt Baumgartner to WTCC champions Norbert Michelisz and Gábor Wéber, Hungary has a long and proud motorsport history.
We’ll take a look at some of the greatest auto racing players in Hungary, and explore their accomplishments and legacy.
1. Norbert Michelisz
Norbert Michelisz is an accomplished auto racing driver from Hungary. He has been racing since 2005 and has achieved great success during his career. In 2019, he won the prestigious World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) championship.
This was Michelisz’s greatest accomplishment to date, as it was a major achievement for him and for Hungary. The WTCR championship is one of the most important touring car championships in the world.
It consists of ten rounds that take place across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. During the season, drivers compete against each other for points, with the driver who accumulates the most points by the end of the season being crowned the champion.
Norbert Michelisz proved to be the best driver of the 2019 season, as he won four out of the ten rounds and finished in the top five in five of the remaining rounds. This enabled him to accumulate enough points to clinch the championship.
It was a remarkable achievement and it brought a lot of pride to Hungary. Norbert Michelisz’s WTCR championship win in 2019 was an impressive feat and it will likely be remembered for many years to come.
It was a great accomplishment for the driver and for the country, and it is proof that Hungarian drivers can compete at the highest levels of auto racing.
2. Zsolt Szabó
Zsolt Dávid Szabó is a Hungarian racing driver who is currently competing in the European Touring Car Cup. Prior to this, he has had a successful career in other racing series such as the TCR International Series and the SEAT León Eurocup.
His racing achievements have not been limited to physical competitions, as he has also been a successful simulator champion. Szabó has also had the opportunity to be a driver for the Formula Racing Miskolc Formula Student team, albeit temporarily.
This highlights his versatility as a driver, as he has been able to excel in both virtual and physical competitions. Szabó is continuing to pursue his dream of becoming a successful racing driver, and his impressive resume speaks for itself.
3. László Tóth
László Tóth is a Hungarian racing driver who is currently competing in the Asian Le Mans Series for ARC Bratislava. This is his most recent racing venture, having competed in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship for Charouz Racing System the year before.
Tóth has a long history in motorsports, having competed with Campos Racing in the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship before his move to Charouz Racing System.
Throughout his racing career, Tóth has established himself as a skilled and talented driver, showing a great deal of control and skill on the track.
He is sure to be a major contender in the Asian Le Mans Series, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the competition.
4. Steve Nemesh
Stephen “Steve” Nemesh was an open-wheel racecar driver who was born in Hungary. He emigrated to the United States and chose to race as an American. His only American Championship car racing start was the 1926 Indianapolis 500.
For this race, he drove a Schmidt chassis that was powered by an Argyle engine. Nemesh was a talented driver, and he was a strong competitor in Europe before he made the move to America.
He was known for his skill and ability to handle a car, and his success in his homeland made him a highly sought-after driver in the US. Though his racing career in America was short, Nemesh was able to make the most of it.
He had strong performances in many of the races he competed in, and he was able to make a name for himself.
He also had the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, an event that has long been one of the most important and revered races in the world. Unfortunately, Nemesh was unable to finish the 1926 Indianapolis 500.
His Argyle-powered Schmidt chassis experienced engine trouble and he was forced to retire from the race. Despite this setback, Nemesh’s career was still noteworthy, and he made a lasting impression on the racing community.
His legacy as an American-born Hungarian racecar driver will continue to be remembered for years to come.
5. Anett György
Anett György is a Hungarian racing driver who is currently participating in the TCR International Series and European Touring Car Cup. She is a highly accomplished driver who has participated in a number of different races and events.
Before entering these two major series, Anett György has been involved in a number of other races, most notably the Hungarian Lotus Cup. This series is a championship race that is open to drivers from across the globe and is known for its exciting and competitive racing.
György has made a name for herself as a highly skilled and talented driver, and her success in the Hungarian Lotus Cup is a testament to her ability and commitment to the sport.
As she continues her career in the TCR International Series and European Touring Car Cup, Anett György is sure to be a top contender for the championship title.
6. Csaba Kesjár
Csaba Kesjár was a Hungarian racing driver who made quite a name for himself in the sport during his career. Born on June 12, 1956 in Budapest, Hungary, Kesjár began his motorsports career in 1975 when he entered the Hungarian National Championship.
From there he moved into the European Formula Ford 1600 Championship in 1979, and then the European Formula 3 Championship in 1983. He made his Formula 1 debut in 1985, and continued to race in the series until 1988.
Kesjár was known for his speed and skill, and was nicknamed “the Flying Hungarian.” During his career, he achieved three podium finishes in Formula 1, with a best finish of second place at the 1985 United States Grand Prix.
He also competed in the World Sports-Prototype Championship and the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touring Car Championship). Despite his success in racing, Kesjár never won a Formula 1 championship.
After his retirement in 1988, he became a commentator for the Hungarian television coverage of the sport. He was also a race instructor for the Alfa Romeo Racing Club and a consultant for the Hungarian motorsport federation. Kesjár passed away in 2004 at the age of 48.
He was inducted into the Hungarian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2014, in recognition of his contribution to the sport. His legacy lives on, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest Hungarian racing drivers of all time.
7. Ferenc Szisz
Ferenc Szisz was a legendary Hungarian race car driver who made history by becoming the winner of the first ever Grand Prix motor racing event.
This event was held on 26th June 1906 and Szisz drove a Renault Grand Prix 90CV, a type of car designed to compete in the Grand Prix race. Szisz had a long and storied career in the world of motor racing, having started his career in 1899.
He had a string of successes throughout his career, including multiple wins in the Gordon Bennett Cup, which was a prestigious race held across Europe.
In 1906, he achieved the highest honour in his career when he won the first ever Grand Prix race. This race was organized by the Automobile Club de France and held at the Le Mans circuit.
Szisz, driving the Renault Grand Prix 90CV, defeated a field of 21 other drivers to win the race.
His victory was a landmark moment in the history of motorsport, as it proved that cars were capable of performing at the highest levels in competitions. Szisz’s win was celebrated widely and he became a national hero in Hungary.
He continued to race until 1911 when he retired from the sport, but his legacy continues to live on to this day. Szisz has been immortalised in the Ferenc Szisz Memorial Race, which is held annually in Hungary to honour his memory.
His win in the first ever Grand Prix race will always be remembered as a defining moment in the history of motorsport.
8. Gábor Wéber
Gábor Wéber is a Hungarian auto racing driver who has been actively competing in the racing world since 2003. His career began with the Porsche Supercup where he raced in a single race in 2003.
In 2008, he moved to the SEAT León Eurocup, where he would go on to have a successful run. After four years of competition, he won the 2010 season with the Zengő-Dension Team.
Wéber made his debut in the World Touring Car Championship in 2012, racing with the Zengő Motorsport team. He has been competing in the World Touring Car Championship ever since, and has been a regular contender in the SEAT León Eurocup.
His success in the latter has made him a well-known figure in the auto racing world.
9. László Hartmann
László Hartmann was an impressive figure in Hungary’s motor racing history. He was a Grand Prix motor racing driver, known for his skill and success in the sport.
Despite not having the greatest skills when he first started learning to drive on the road, Hartmann managed to defy the odds and become one of Hungary’s top drivers in the pre-World War II period. Hartmann’s determination to succeed in the sport was remarkable and it was his sheer will to succeed that enabled him to overcome the obstacles.
Through hard work and dedication, he was able to hone his skills and become a very successful driver.
He was able to compete in major races and championships, and his success in the sport was very impressive. Hartmann’s story is an inspiring one and it is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport.
He managed to rise to the top of the sport despite some initial difficulties, and his success is a testament to his determination and skill.
His story serves as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication, and it is an inspiring reminder of what is possible.
10. Ferenc Ficza
Ferenc Ficza Jr. is a Hungarian racing driver who is currently competing in the European Touring Car Cup. He has been involved in professional racing for some time and has had success in numerous series.
Ficza has previously competed in the TCR International Series, which is a touring car series that has been running since 2014. Additionally, he has also raced in the SEAT León Eurocup, an international racing series for the SEAT León car.
Ficza is highly regarded in the racing world and is respected for his skill and determination. He is seen as a role model for aspiring racing drivers and is an inspiration to many.
11. Zsolt Baumgartner
Zsolt Baumgartner is a prominent figure in the world of Formula One racing. He is a Hungarian former racing driver who has competed in the sport for 15 years. He is most notably known for competing for the Jordan and Minardi teams in Formula One.
His impressive resume includes being the only Hungarian driver to have raced in Formula One and to have scored a point. He began his Formula One career in 2002 when he joined the Jordan team as a test driver.
He would go on to make his official debut for Jordan in 2003, but he was replaced after just one race. In 2004, he joined the Minardi team, where he made four Grand Prix starts. He scored his only point in the sport in the 2004 United States Grand Prix, where he finished 8th.
In addition to his Formula One career, Zsolt Baumgartner has also raced in several other motorsports disciplines, including Formula 3000, IndyCar, and the World Touring Car Championship. He has also competed in the Race of Champions and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Zsolt Baumgartner’s illustrious career has made him a household name in Hungary. He is the only Formula One driver from the country to have competed and scored a point in the sport. He is truly an inspiration for aspiring motorsport racers in Hungary and all around the world.
12. Dániel Nagy
Dániel Nagy is a professional racing driver from Hungary. He is currently competing in the World Touring Car Championship for Zengő Motorsport. Prior to this, Nagy raced in the TCR International Series and the Hungarian Suzuki Swift Cup.
While still in his teens, he achieved impressive results – winning the title in both 2013 and 2015. His success at such a young age is a testament to his skill and talent as a driver.
He is a highly regarded competitor in the racing world and is sure to continue to make a name for himself in the years to come.
13. Vivien Keszthelyi
Vivien Keszthelyi is a Hungarian racing driver who began her career at a very young age. She was only 13 when she first stepped into a car and began her racing journey.
Keszthelyi is part of the Audi Sport Racing Academy, a program designed to train and nurture the next generation of racing drivers. The program offers drivers access to top-level racing cars and allows them to hone their skills on some of the world’s most prestigious tracks.
Keszthelyi officially began her professional career in 2014, when she entered the Suzuki Swift Cup Europe series. The series is a European championship for drivers aged 14-18 and showcases the talent of young drivers from around the world.
Over the years, Keszthelyi has gone on to become a successful racing driver, competing in various leagues and becoming a household name in the sport. Keszthelyi is an inspiration to young drivers around the world.
Her story shows that age is no barrier when it comes to achieving your dreams. She is proof that if you are passionate and driven, anything is possible.
14. Attila Tassi
Attila Tassi is a professional racing driver from Hungary. He is currently competing in the World Touring Car Cup (WTCC), a championship for touring cars that is held in different countries around the world.
In the past, Tassi has competed in other racing series such as the SEAT León Eurocup, the TCR International Series, and the Hungarian Suzuki Cup. The SEAT León Eurocup is a European touring car series that uses the SEAT León as its base vehicle.
The TCR International Series is a global touring car championship that allows for multiple car brands and models to compete.
The Hungarian Suzuki Cup is a series that is exclusive to the country of Hungary and uses Suzuki vehicles. Tassi has competed in a number of racing series over the past few years and has had success in all of them.
He is now taking his talents to the WTCC, where he will look to make a name for himself on the world stage. With his extensive experience and skill, Tassi has the potential to be a great driver in the WTCC and make a name for himself.
15. Norbert Nagy
Norbert Nagy is a Hungarian racing driver who has been competing in the European Touring Car Cup (ETCC) since 2013. His debut in ETCC was successful, and in 2016 he achieved third place in the Championship. Since then, Nagy has been an active racer in a number of WTCC events.
He has enjoyed continued success in both ETCC and WTCC events, and is one of the most well-known Hungarian drivers on the international racing scene today.
Nagy’s passion and enthusiasm for the sport is clear, and he continues to push himself to the limits in order to compete at the highest level. His drive and determination have earned him a great deal of respect from fellow racers and fans alike, and he is an inspiration to all.
16. Tamás Pál Kiss
Tamás Pál Kiss is a prominent figure in the world of auto racing. He is a Hungarian driver, hailing from Hungary, a country known for its passionate love of auto racing. Kiss began racing in the early 2000s, competing in various touring car series.
He quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple championships in the national and international arenas.
In recent years, Kiss has made a name for himself in the international racing scene, competing in the European Touring Car Championship, the FIA European Rallycross Championship, and the Blancpain GT Series.
He has earned numerous victories and podium finishes for his skill and talent behind the wheel. Kiss has also been involved in the development of various race cars, using his knowledge of the sport to help improve the performance of vehicles.
He has helped to create racing machines that are more reliable and powerful than ever before. In addition, he has been a driving force in helping to create safer racing conditions for drivers, by pushing for better safety regulations.
Tamás Pál Kiss is an inspiring figure in the world of auto racing. Through his hard work and dedication, he has become a top driver in the sport and a leader of the pack.
His success has been a source of pride for Hungary and a reminder to aspiring drivers that anything is possible with enough hard work and determination.
17. Frigyes Turán
Frigyes Turán is a Hungarian rally driver who has achieved great success in the world of motorsport. He is known for his incredible skill behind the wheel and his ability to remain composed in the face of danger.
He has competed in a number of rallies around the world, including the World Rally Championship, which he won in 2008. Turán is a respected figure in the international motorsport community and is seen as one of the most talented and successful rally drivers of all time.
He is known for his technical prowess, and his ability to handle challenging terrain and weather conditions. He is also known for his willingness to help other drivers and is seen as a mentor to many.
Turán’s career began in the early 2000s when he began competing in Hungarian rallies. In 2005, he made his mark in international competition, winning the World Rally Championship.
He went on to win multiple rallies in the years that followed and is currently competing in the World Rally Championship. Turán’s success in the world of motorsport has been attributed to his hard work and dedication.
He is passionate about the sport and his commitment to it shows in his results. He is an inspiration to many, and his success has served as an example for other drivers to follow.
Frigyes Turán is a remarkable rally driver who has achieved great success in the world of motorsport. His skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport have made him one of the most respected and talented rally drivers of all time.
Conclusion
Hungary has some of the best auto racing players in the world. Hungary has a proud history of auto racing and is home to some of the top drivers in the sport.
Hungary’s drivers have won numerous championships and have earned praise from the international auto racing community. Hungary’s drivers are known for their skill, determination, and passion for the sport, and they continue to be a driving force in the world of auto racing.
